Latest news with #RM23mil
The Star
a day ago
- Business
- The Star
Malaysia targets New Zealand market for pineapple exports
JOHOR BARU: Malaysia aims to tap into the high-value New Zealand market for pineapples, following strong interest expressed by New Zealand authorities during Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi's recent visit to Wellington. Malaysian Pineapple Industry Board (LPNM) Chairman Sheikh Umar Bagharib Ali welcomed the development, describing it as a strategic opportunity to expand Malaysia's pineapple exports into markets with high growth potential. "The interest shown by New Zealand reflects growing international recognition of the quality, safety, and competitiveness of Malaysian pineapples, especially the premium MD2 variety, which is increasingly popular among global consumers," he said on Tuesday (July 22). He added the board had conducted two trial export studies to New Zealand, in October last year and June this year, featuring value-added pineapple products such as frozen pineapple cubes, dried chunks, pineapple chips, ice cream, and energy gels. "The trials received encouraging feedback in terms of flavour, packaging quality, and compliance with New Zealand's food safety and import standards. "LPNM is currently working with relevant agencies to assess Malaysia's readiness and capacity to meet New Zealand's strict export requirements," he said. Sheikh Umar added that LPNM is committed to ensuring Malaysia can supply sufficient and consistent volumes of high-quality pineapples to meet international demand. To support this goal, LPNM has implemented several strategic initiatives such as expanding pineapple cultivation areas, supporting growers and entrepreneurs, optimising the supply chain, and focusing on quality and food safety. Sheikh Umar also said that according to 2024 data, Malaysia exported 30,735 metric tonnes of pineapple-based products including juices, canned pineapples, ornamental varieties, and agro-industrial technology (IAT) goods. "Fresh pineapple exports amounted to 11,633 metric tonnes, valued at RM23mil, to over 20 countries including China, Singapore, the United Arab Emirates, and Japan. "Malaysia's total pineapple export value for 2024 stood at RM1.73bil. These efforts reflect our commitment to strengthening the competitiveness of Malaysia's pineapple industry through data-driven, technology-enabled, and market-focused strategies," he added. Sheikh Umar expressed appreciation to Ahmad Zahid for his continued efforts in promoting Malaysia's agricultural products, especially pineapples, on the international stage. "With the support of all stakeholders, we are confident that Malaysia can emerge as a leading global producer of high-quality tropical pineapples," he added. On Friday, Ahmad Zahid said that he found out during his five-day working visit that Malaysian pineapples were highly sought after in New Zealand. "There is a high demand for our pineapples due to their quality, texture, and sweetness. However, export of Malaysian pineapples is currently very limited," he said. Among the popular varieties with New Zealanders is the MD2 pineapple, considered a premium type known for its sweetness, low acidity, and fragrant aroma. The MD2, sold locally and exported, is also known by trade names such as "Golden Ripe," "Super Sweet," "Rompine," or "Gold." Malaysian MD2 pineapples are currently exported to several regions, including the Middle East and Europe. Johor is the largest producer of MD2 pineapples in Malaysia, with other states like Perak also involved in their cultivation. The MD2 pineapple is a key crop under Malaysia's Economic Transformation Programme, targeted for increased production to meet both domestic and export demands. Ahmad Zahid, who also serves as Rural and Regional Development Minister, plans to discuss increasing pineapple cultivation with Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu. "I will also request the Selangor, Pahang, Johor, and Melaka state governments to increase pineapple cultivation on a large scale," he added, noting the vast potential for expanding exports due to high demand.
The Star
02-07-2025
- Business
- The Star
FBM KLCI extends winning streak, hits one-month high
KUALA LUMPUR: Bursa Malaysia extended its winning streak to a fifth straight session on Wednesday, lifted by blue-chip gains amid mixed regional sentiment. The FBM KLCI rose 8.68 points, or 0.56%, to 1,550.21, its highest level since May 20, and its biggest gain since a 0.92% rise on June 23. Gainers outpaced decliners 531 to 442, while 498 counters were unchanged. A total of 3.1 billion shares changed hands, with a total turnover of RM2.4bil. Malaysian Pacific Industries led the gainers, rising RM1 to RM22.40. PETRONAS Dagangan followed, adding 44 sen to RM21.70, while Heineken gained 28 sen to RM25.50 and PETRONAS Gas rose 26 sen to RM17.76. Among the decliners, Tenaga Nasional lost 30 sen to RM14.60, Peterlabs fell 10 sen to 35 sen, Kuala Lumpur Kepong slid 10 sen to RM20.98 and Amway declined nine sen to RM5.01. Newly listed on the ACE Market, ASM Automation slipped 0.5 sen, or 2.94%, to 16.5 sen, with 51.43 million shares changing hands. Meanwhile, foreign investors continued to buy into local stocks on Tuesday, acquiring RM107mil worth of equities. Local institutions and retailers sold equities worth RM23mil and RM84mil, respectively. On the forex market, the ringgit weakened 0.66% to 4.2257 against the US dollar, retreating after a nine-month high in the previous session. The local unit also slipped 0.4% to 3.3167 against the Singapore dollar. Around the region, MSCI's Asia ex-Japan stock index was higher by 0.14%. Japan's Nikkei 225 closed 0.56% lower at 39,762.48 while South Korea's Kospi closed down 0.47%, at 3,075.06. Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index rose 0.62% to 24,221.41. China's CSI 300 edged up 0.02% to 3,943.68, while the Shanghai Composite slipped 0.08% to 3,454.79.
The Star
19-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
Oriental Kopi to buy Kuala Langat property for RM23mil
PETALING JAYA: Oriental Kopi Holdings Bhd is proposing to acquire a parcel of leasehold land measuring 5,260.8 sq metres in Kuala Langat, Selangor, from Icon Facade Sdn Bhd for RM23mil. In a filing with Bursa Malaysia, the food and beverage company said the property on the land is currently being rented by Oriental Kopi as its head office and warehousing facility. 'The board is of the view that it will be more viable to acquire the property for RM23mil from the vendor. The proposed acquisition will result in cost savings arising from rental and logistics costs and to prevent the risk of loss of right of use of the property.' Oriental Kopi said the purchase consideration for the proposed acquisition will be funded through a combination of internally generated funds and/or bank borrowings. 'The exact funding mix will be determined at a later stage upon execution of the sale and purchase agreement, taking into account prevailing market conditions and the group's working capital requirements.'
The Star
14-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
Omesti's bold plan: Real reset or just window dressing?
INFORMATION and communication technology services group Omesti Bhd 's latest financial results underscore the challenges it faces. For the nine months ended Dec 31, 2024, the company posted a net loss of RM23mil – a slight improvement from a loss of RM28.3mil a year earlier – but revenue plunged from RM90.7mil to RM53.3mil. Billed as RM9.73 for the 1st month then RM13.90 thereafters. RM12.33/month RM8.63/month Billed as RM103.60 for the 1st year then RM148 thereafters. Free Trial For new subscribers only
The Star
02-06-2025
- Health
- The Star
Public healthcare network making good progress
THREE key expansion projects of Penang Hospital with a combined value of RM758mil, are currently progressing at various stages. Penang health committee chairman Daniel Gooi Zi Sen said the first project, the Women and Children's Block, had reach 34.35% completion as of May 22. 'The first project worth RM307mil is scheduled for completion in January 2026,' he said in a press conference after a site visit at Jalan Residensi. Gooi said the project was being implemented under a design-and-build tender system and included the construction of a 12-storey parking complex and an 8-storey hospital building with a 329-bed capacity alongside various specialised healthcare services. The parking complex, he added, would be able to accommodate 449 cars at one time. Gooi said the second project, the new Stem Cell Services Centre Block, valued at RM23mil, was expected to be completed by March 2027. 'Additional infrastructure includes 25 parking bays, a covered connecting bridge, support buildings (including a waste house and M&E room) and utility upgrades. 'This project is 10.19% completed as of May 29, with completion scheduled for March 2027,' he said The Women and Children Block is 34.35% completed as of May 22. It is expected to be ready by January next year. — Photos: LIM BENG TATT/The Star The project, he elaborated, was being carried out using the conventional method under the supervision of the Public Works Department (JKR). He said the facility would enhance transplant-related services, including apheresis units, stem cell laboratories and other support facilities. 'The third project, the Specialist Clinic and Ward Block, with a budget of RM428mil, is projected to be completed by May 2029. 'The project is being developed through a conventional approach under JKR, where the 14-storey block will house specialist outpatient clinics and wards with a capacity of 216 beds,' he said. He added that the project currently stood at 3.33% progress as of May 20, with completion targeted for May 2029. Gooi said these expansion projects, when ready, would mark a significant enhancement to the state's healthcare system and facilities. The projects represented strategic investments by the Federal Government to upgrade public healthcare infrastructure in the state under the 10th and 11th Malaysia plans, he said. 'We are grateful to the Federal Government for approving these allocations. This marks a significant milestone in enhancing healthcare services for the people of Penang.' Gooi said the developments would not only strengthen Penang's healthcare system but also significantly improve the quality of medical services for its residents. He said the state government, through his office, remained committed to enhancing the public healthcare network, closing the gap in treatment accessibility and ensuring quality, equitable and comprehensive services for all. Gooi added that these initiatives aligned with the Penang2030 vision and the Malaysia Madani framework, which prioritised values of well-being, justice and compassion in the delivery of public services. Penang Hospital is one of the oldest public hospitals in Malaysia, with a history dating back to the colonial era. Located in George Town, it is the largest government hospital in the northern region and is a tertiary referral centre for Penang, Kedah, Perlis and northern Perak. It was established in the 19th century during British rule to serve the growing population in Penang, which was then an important trading hub. Post-independence, the hospital underwent several modernisation projects, with the addition of new medical departments, specialist units, and upgraded facilities. Over the decades, it expanded to provide specialist medical care, catering to the increasing healthcare demands. The hospital also played a crucial role in handling major health crises, including the Covid-19 pandemic where it served as a key treatment centre.
